Opinion pieces, speeches & transcripts

Speech at National Conference on fast track reviews

December 17, 2018

Three years ago we had a tough conversation at the National Conference in Melbourne. Murray Watt, who is now a Senator, I’m not sure that’s a promotion mate, put forward a couple of motions that generated a big debate. I don’t think there is too many people who doubt that we emerged stronger from that conference stronger because we had that debate.

Speech at National Conference on asylum motion

December 17, 2018

Thank you Wayne and thank you Shayne. I am very proud to second this motion and to support the work you have done to put this platform before the conference. Shayne, you deserve all of our support and appreciation. Because today we come together as a party to take some big steps forward...

Interview with Fran Kelly, RN Breakfast, on loneliness

November 13, 2018

"...we know the extent of loneliness, and the report is also telling us about the consequences. Poor for general health, very poor for mental health. This is something that government has to respond to, if we’re serious about looking after Australians."

Speech at launch of 'Whitlam's Children' by Shaun Crowe

October 27, 2018

Shaun has written an important book, and written it well. Whitlam's Children deserves to be read, and talked about - it illuminates a conversation that has been more characterised by heat than light. This has benefited neither party, nor our politics. He raises the prospect of a ‘more robust, self-aware relationship’ between the ALP and the Greens.

Address to Alpine Labor branch

October 13, 2018

I'm so excited to have the opportunity to share this evening with you, and to be able to share some of my thoughts with you. Thanks so much for the invitation, thanks for coming and - most importantly - thank you all for flying the flag for Labor in North-East Victoria. This really matters.

Transcript - ABC News Breakfast 13 October 2018

October 13, 2018

...I'm really pleased that now, thanks to Bill Shorten's letter to the Prime Minister yesterday, that Australians can feel relieved that schools shouldn't be expelling students by reason of their sexuality. But I’m concerned there is more to be done. This doesn't begin and end at expulsion.